Steppenwolf Theatre Company Blog – Chicago Theater, World-Class Ensemble

One of the interesting outcomes of our decision to program our subscription series across both our Upstairs and Downstairs theaters is that it produces a concurrent run of our subscription shows. Currently, we have Carter’s Way in the Downstairs Theatre and Dead Man’s Cell Phone in the Upstairs Theatre. Just having both shows in our house produces a dialogue between them. In a season dedicated to the question, “What does it mean to be an American?”, these two plays activate interesting parallels and contrasts.

Parallels: both shows are, in at least one thread of their narratives, love stories. Both plays feature a new technology–in Carter’s Way, the radio; in Dead Man’s Cell Phone, the…cell phone–and raise some questions about how that technology changes the boundaries of one’s sense of self. (more…)

I’m still sleeping blissfully on the new mattress, but only when I have the time, as we started previews last week. When we are finally in front of an audience, we actors learn so much more about the play. Lines that we forgot were funny are now funny again. We rehearse all day and then perform at night.

Today was the last day to work with our design team. We spent much of the day going over transitions, tightening, making small changes and honing scenes with lights and sound. You don’t often get an extra day like this one. Then we saluted our designers with champagne before they headed back to various parts of the country! (more…)

JEAN (played by Polly Noonan):
Hello?
I think that there is a dead man sitting next to me.
I don’t know how he died.
I’m at a cafe.

Explore more moments from Dead Man’s Cell Phone.

Big News! I’m lucky that Steppenwolf gave me a new mattress today because tomorrow is a very big day and I’m hoping for a good night’s sleep. We are doing two full run-throughs of the play. The first one is at 11am; when we’re finished we’ll get notes and break for lunch. The second run-through is at 3pm for all of the Steppenwolf staff. It is the first time since we started rehearsals that we will have an audience, and I am looking forward to it.

There has been a flurry of excitement about this play from the press. Just in this last week alone, I was interviewed by The Chicago Tribune and The Evanston Review. Last Monday, The New Yorker did a lengthy piece on Sarah Ruhl. Read it if you get a chance, it’s fascinating. Last Thursday I received the Vassar Quarterly (my alma mater) which has a two page feature on me and the play.

In response to Justin’s question after my first blog entry: Hello Justin! Thank you for writing in. Here is his question: “I wonder if you feel that you have some kind of advantage coming to this new script, having done Sarah Ruhl’s plays before? Or, does it still feel like starting out on any other new play?” (more…)

Polly Noonan in rehearsal for Dead Man’s Cell Phone. Check out more rehearsal photos.